Throughout my childhood, we always had others gathered around our family table. I remember sitting around the old wooden table my father had made from two church pews. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was large enough to hold all five of us kids- and many more.

Mom took the time each day to make our meals from scratch. Of course, now I realize she also did this because it helped stretch the grocery budget. But somehow, she always made plenty for the many people Dad would bring home.

Over the years, we welcomed so many guests. Since my father was a pastor, missionaries from around the world often joined us at our table. Family members from out of town joined us from time to time, and I still vaguely remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to visit. We shared meals with people from many walks of life. Anyone and everyone was welcome, especially for Sunday dinner.

As I have become a parent myself, I have realized that there was always a quiet consistency about my parents. My father often preached that each person could choose to be faithful to God and faithful to their family. Looking back now, I realize that I did not hear those words emphasized aloud often at home – but I did see them lived out every single day through my parents’ example.

 

It never mattered who sat at our table; my parents were always the same.

My parents consistently put God first, then our family, and then our church ministry. We never missed church services. Dad and Mom never missed opportunities to share Christ with others. Whether at church, out in public, or gathered around our table, they lived the same faithful life.

They were not perfect, but they sincerely desired to show others how much God loved them. They faithfully provided for us both physically and spiritually.
Now, as I watch my parents in their 80s, I realize this is still true. They remain consistently faithful even when it is physically difficult.

I may have taken that faithfulness for granted through the years, but now I more fully understand how deeply they relied on God through every season of life. I am incredibly thankful for this heritage and pray that one day my own children will be able to say the same about me.

I do not want my children to feel that they have a different mother depending on the situation or surroundings. I want them to see a steady mother and father — one who consistently points them toward Christ.

I Corinthians 4:2 – Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.